The 65/20 exemption · 20 questions

If you are 65 or older and have been a lawful permanent resident for 20 years or more, USCIS lets you study a shorter list — only these 20 questions — and you may take the civics test in your own language.

What the exemption changes

You still take the civics test, but only from these 20 questions, and you may answer in Swahili — you may bring an interpreter. You are also exempt from the English reading, writing and speaking tests.

You must meet both conditions on the day you file Form N-400: 65 or older, and 20 years as a permanent resident. This is often written “65/20”. A separate rule (“50/20” and “55/15”) exempts you from the English test only — you would still study all 128 civics questions.

Bring evidence of your permanent-resident date. The officer confirms eligibility from your record; you do not apply for the exemption separately.

The 20 questions, marked with ★ in the official USCIS list:

★ 2. What is the supreme law of the land?

Ni sheria gani kuu ya nchi?

Misingi ya Serikali

Jibu · Answer

The Constitution

Katiba

★ 7. How many amendments does the U.S. Constitution have?

Katiba ya Marekani ina marekebisho mangapi?

Misingi ya Serikali

Jibu · Answer

Twenty-seven (27)

Ishirini na saba (27)

★ 12. What is the economic system of the United States?

Ni mfumo gani wa kiuchumi wa Marekani?

Misingi ya Serikali

Jibu · Answer

Capitalism

Ubepari

★ 20. Name one power of the U.S. Congress.

Taja mamlaka moja ya Kongamano la Marekani.

Mfumo wa Serikali

Jibu · Answer

Writes laws

Kutunga sheria

★ 30. What is the name of the Speaker of the House of Representatives now?

Jina la Spika wa Baraza la Wawakilishi sasa ni nani?

Mfumo wa Serikali

Jibu · Answer

Mike Johnson

★ 36. The President of the United States is elected for how many years?

Rais wa Marekani huchaguliwa kwa miaka mingapi?

Mfumo wa Serikali

Jibu · Answer

Four (4) years

Miaka minne (4)

★ 38. What is the name of the President of the United States now?

Jina la Rais wa Marekani sasa ni nani?

Mfumo wa Serikali

Jibu · Answer

Donald Trump

★ 39. What is the name of the Vice President of the United States now?

Jina la Makamu wa Rais wa Marekani sasa ni nani?

Mfumo wa Serikali

Jibu · Answer

JD Vance

★ 44. Who vetoes bills?

Ni nani hukataa (veto) miswada?

Mfumo wa Serikali

Jibu · Answer

The President

Rais

★ 52. What is the highest court in the United States?

Ni mahakama gani ya juu zaidi nchini Marekani?

Mfumo wa Serikali

Jibu · Answer

Supreme Court

Mahakama ya Juu Zaidi (Supreme Court)

★ 61. Who is the governor of your state now?

Ni nani gavana wa jimbo lako sasa?

Mfumo wa Serikali

Jibu · Answer

Your state's governor

★ 66. What do we show loyalty to when we say the Pledge of Allegiance?

Tunaonyesha uaminifu kwa nini tunaposema Kiapo cha Utii (Pledge of Allegiance)?

Haki na Wajibu

Jibu · Answer

The United States (and the flag)

Kwa Marekani (na bendera)

★ 74. Who lived in America before the Europeans arrived?

Ni nani waliishi Amerika kabla ya Wazungu kuwasili?

Kipindi cha Ukoloni na Uhuru

Jibu · Answer

Native Americans

Wenyeji wa Amerika (Native Americans)

★ 78. Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?

Ni nani aliyeandika Azimio la Uhuru?

Kipindi cha Ukoloni na Uhuru

Jibu · Answer

Thomas Jefferson

★ 86. George Washington is famous for many things. Name one.

George Washington ni maarufu kwa mambo mengi. Taja moja.

Kipindi cha Ukoloni na Uhuru

Jibu · Answer

First president of the United States

Rais wa kwanza wa Marekani

★ 94. Abraham Lincoln is famous for many things. Name one.

Abraham Lincoln ni maarufu kwa mambo mengi. Taja moja.

Miaka ya 1800

Jibu · Answer

Freed the slaves

Aliwakomboa watumwa

★ 113. Martin Luther King, Jr. is famous for many things. Name one.

Martin Luther King, Jr. ni maarufu kwa mambo mengi. Taja moja.

Historia ya Hivi Karibuni

Jibu · Answer

Fought for civil rights

Alipigania haki za kiraia

★ 115. What major event happened on September 11, 2001 in the United States?

Ni tukio gani kubwa lililotokea Septemba 11, 2001 nchini Marekani?

Historia ya Hivi Karibuni

Jibu · Answer

Terrorists attacked the United States

Magaidi waliishambulia Marekani

★ 121. Why does the flag have 13 stripes?

Kwa nini bendera ina mistari 13?

Alama

Jibu · Answer

Because there were 13 original colonies

Kwa sababu kulikuwa na makoloni 13 ya asili

★ 126. Name three national U.S. holidays.

Taja sikukuu tatu za kitaifa za Marekani.

Sikukuu

Jibu · Answer

Christmas, Thanksgiving, Independence Day

Krismasi, Sikukuu ya Shukrani, Siku ya Uhuru

Not 65/20? Study all 128 questions → · Take a practice test → · Look up your state's answers →